The patent database includes patents issued in the U.S. since 1790. Patents from 1790 to 1975 are searchable by patent number and classification only. Patents from 1976 are searchable by keyword. Your computer must have a TIFF reader installed to view graphics. Links to free downloadable TIFF plug-ins are available from the site.
Browse by alphabetically organized inventions or inventors. Most provide links for more information. Note also special categories for timelines, "Famous Inventions," "Women Inventors," "Black Inventors," and others.